Imminent Newcastle United January transfer confirmed by chairman

Karl Darlow has agreed to join Hull City on loan for the remainder of the campaign, according to the Championship club’s chairman Tan Kesler.

Following Martin Dubravka’s return from his loan spell at Manchester United, and an extended contract for Loris Karius, Darlow has been told he can leave St James’ Park this month.

However, it is United’s involvement in the Carabao Cup that is delaying the move from being finalised. With Dubravka cup-tied, Darlow was named on the bench as back-up to Nick Pope for the 1-0 first-leg semi-final win at Southampton on Tuesday.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe is reluctant to sign off the 32-year-old’s exit just yet in case of an injury, though the transfer is expected to be confirmed before next week’s deadline.

“Karl Darlow is coming from Newcastle, we have completed his paperwork,” Kesler told to i.

“In terms of when we will announce it’s a tricky one, I want fans to be patient with us. The club – Newcastle – and the player wanted to participate in their cup journey and we have respected that.

“Hopefully once it’s done he will be joining us but the paperwork already has the signature on it. There’s no problems with the deal.”

Darlow has made 100 appearances since joining from Nottingham Forest nine years ago, though his only outing season came in the 2-1 second round Carabao Cup victory at Tranmere Rovers.

Keslter admits Darlow’s loan spell could turn permanent in the summer.

“We want Karl because he’s experienced promotion and played at the highest level,” Kesler added. “Karl had other clubs but thanks to him, he believed in [manager] Liam (Rosenoir’s) style of play, the owner’s vision and he has agreed to join us.

“He has joined us for six months, you never know it could be long-term but in the end we have three young goalkeepers we’re trying to develop, Harvey Cartwright is an England under-20, Thimothee Orcel-Lo Tutala, who is a France under-20 international.

“For the short-term we needed more experience and more presence.”